Transforming a 90-year-old National Express depot into a net zero facility.

When National Express West Midlands needed to transform their 90-year-old legacy depot, they saw an opportunity to combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Working with Birmingham City Council and contractor BAM, we helped them upgrade their energy infrastructure and refresh their facility for a net zero future. By fitting out the facility with innovative mechanical and electrical systems, we’ve put National Express’s Birmingham Perry Barr depot on the front foot for decarbonised travel networks while improving working conditions.

What do you need to know

Zenergi was appointed by the building contractor, BAM, to lead on the mechanical and electrical design for this transformative project. We were excited about the opportunity to replace a depot that had operated since 1932, when energy efficiency wasn’t a consideration, reimagining a facility that would support the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

We designed an innovative solution for the new 6.5-acre site, with facilities to accommodate more than 170 buses across 12 maintenance bays, 3 fuel bays and 4 wash bays. Our approach integrated multiple sustainable technologies including 150 commercial Solar PV Panels, hybrid heating systems with Air Source Heat Pumps, electric overhead radiant panels and Variable Refrigerant Flow systems. This eliminated the need for gas onsite entirely.

Why it matters

As transport facilities are updated and evolved, they represent a huge opportunity for improving sustainability practice. Large-scale sites like these need efficient systems that support operational demands while looking forward to future decarbonisation. Our design for National Express created exactly that: a modern infrastructure that performs better today, while using renewable energy sources that secure future operations.

The 432m² green roof with 22-species planting mix improves air quality and creates wildlife habitats, while the green wall on acoustic panelling reduces noise pollution. We created rainwater harvesting facilities for chassis washing and a self-contained water recycling system for bus washes. Most importantly, we designed 14 Electric Vehicle Charging stations with capacity to accommodate a full fleet of electric buses, ensuring the depot is ready for the transport sector’s inevitable transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Whether you’re planning major transport infrastructure upgrades or exploring sustainable facility design, we understand the unique challenges operators face in balancing efficiency with environmental responsibility. Pulling together our technical expertise and transport sector experience, you’ll have a partner who delivers results – and helps you prepare your operations for future net zero goals.